2-(quinoliniumalkyl and isoquinoliniumalkyl) phenyl carbapenem antibacterial agents

ABSTRACT

Carbapenems having the formula: ##STR1## In which Q +   is quinolinium or isoquinolinium, are useful antibacterial agents.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 395,854, filed Aug. 21, 1989, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to antibacterial agents of the carbapenem class, in which the 2-position sidechain is characterized by a phenyl moiety, optionally substituted, to which is attached, usually through an alkyl bridge, a nitrogen-containing quinolinium or isoquinolinium group, with attachment being through the nitrogen atom, which may, in turn, be substituted.

Thienamycin was an early carbapenem antibacterial agent having a broad spectrum; it has the following formula: ##STR2##

Later, N-formimidoyl thienamycin was discovered; it has the formula: ##STR3##

The 2-(quinoliniumalkyl and isoquinolinium-alkyl) phenyl carbapenems of the present invention have an antibacterial potency equal to or greater than, in most cases, that of either thienamycin or N-formimidoyl thienamycin. The compounds of the present invention are also more resistant than thienamycin or N-formimidoyl thienamycin to degradation by the dehydropeptidase enzyme DHP-I, thus permitting greater therapeutic application of the compounds.

More recently, carbapenem antibacterial agents have been described which have a 2-substituent which is an aryl moiety optionally substituted by, e.g., aminomethyl and substituted aminomethyl. These agents are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,543,257 and 4,260,627 and have the formula: ##STR4##

However, these compounds belong to a different class from those of the present invention and are distinguished by different physiological properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel carbapenem compounds of the formula: ##STR5## wherein: R is H or CH₃ ;

R¹ and R² are independently H, CH₃ --, CH₃ CH₂ --, (CH₃)₂ CH--, HOCH₂ --, CH₃ CH(OH)--, (CH₃)₂ C(OH)--, FCH₂ CH(OH)--, F₂ CHCH(OH)--, F₃ CCH(OH)--, CH₃ CH(F)--, CH₃ CF₂ --, or (CH₃)₂ C(F)--;

R^(a), R^(b), and R^(c) are independently selected from the group consisting of:

a) a trifluoromethyl group: --CF₃ ;

b) a halogen atom: --Br, --Cl, --F, or --I;

c) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy radical: --OC₁₋₄ alkyl;

d) a hydroxy group: --OH;

e) (C₁ -C₆ alkyl) carbonyloxy radical: ##STR6## f) a carbamoyloxy radical which is unsubstituted or substituted on nitrogen with one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR7## where R^(y) and R^(z) are independently H or C₁₋₄ alkyl; g) a C₁ -C₆ alkylthio radical, C₁ -C₆ alkylsulfinyl radical or C₁ -C₆ alkylsulfonyl radical: ##STR8## where n=0-2, and the alkyl portion is optionally substituted by cyano; h) a sulfamoyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted on nitrogen by one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR9## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; i) an amino group, or a mono (C₁ -C₄ alkyl) amino or di(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)-amino group: ##STR10## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; j) a formylamino group: ##STR11## k) (C₁ -C₆ alkyl)carbonylamino radical: ##STR12## l) a (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy) carbonylamino radical: ##STR13## m) a ureido group in which the terminal nitrogen is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR14## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; n) a sulfonamido group: ##STR15## o) a cyano group: --CN; p) a formyl or acetalized formyl radical: ##STR16## q) (C₁ -C₆ alkyl)carbonyl radical wherein the carbonyl is free or acetalized: ##STR17## r) phenylcarbonyl; s) a hydroximinomethyl radical in which the oxygen or carbon atom is optionally substituted by a C₁ -C₄ alkyl group: ##STR18## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; t) a (C₁ -C₆ alkoxy)carbonyl radical: ##STR19## u) a carbamoyl radical which is unsubstituted or substituted on nitrogen by one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR20## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; v) an N-hydroxycarbamoyl or N(C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)carbamoyl radical in which the nitrogen atom may be additionally substituted by a C₁ -C₄ alkyl group: ##STR21## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; w) a thiocarbamoyl group: ##STR22## x) an amidino group ##STR23## where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are independently hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or wherein two of the alkyl groups together form a C₂ -C₆ alkylidene radical optionally interrupted by a heteroatom and joined together to form a ring;

y) a carboxamidino group ##STR24## where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are as defined above; z) a guanidinyl group where R⁶ in a) above is NR⁸ R⁹ and R⁸ and R⁹ are as defined for R⁵ through R⁷ above;

aa) hydrogen;

ab) C₂ -C₆ alkenyl radical;

ac) an unsubstituted or substituted C₂ -C₆ alkynyl radical;

ad) C₃ -C₇ cycloalkyl radical;

ae) C₃ -C₇ cycloalkyl methyl radical;

af) C₅ -C₇ cycloalkenyl radical;

ag) phenyl, except that only R^(c) may be phenyl;

ah) C₁ -C₆ alkyl radical;

ai) C₁ -C₄ alkyl monosubstituted by one of the substituents a)-ag) above;

aj) an anionic function selected from the group consisting of: phosphono [P═O(OM^(c))₂ ]; alkylphosphono {P═O(OM^(c))--[O(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)]}; alkylphosphinyl [P═O(OM^(c))--(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)]; phosphoramido [P═O(OMc)N(R^(y))R^(z) and P═O(OM^(c))NHR^(x) ]; sulfino (SO₂ M^(c)); sulfo (SO₃ M^(c)); acylsulfonamides selected from the structures CONM^(c) SO₂ R^(x), CONM^(c) SO₂ N(R^(y))R^(z), SO₂ NM^(c) CON(R^(y))R^(z) ; and SO₂ NM^(c) CN, where

R^(x) is phenyl or heteroaryl, where heteroaryl is as defined below except that there is no quaternary nitrogen and attachment through nitrogen is optional, and the phenyl and heteroaryl are optionally mono-substituted by R^(q) ; M^(c) is hydrogen or an alkali metal; R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; where

R^(q) is a member selected from the group consisting of --OH; --OCH₃ --; --CN; --C(O)NH₂ ; --OC(O)NH₂ ; --OC(O)N(CH₃)₂ ; --SO₂ NH₂ ; --SO₂ N(CH₃)₂ ; --SOCH₃ ; --F; --CF₃ ; tetrazolyl; and --COOM^(a), where M^(a) is hydrogen, alkali metal, methyl or phenyl;

A is para (p) or meta (m) with respect to the point of attachment of the phenyl ring to the carbapenem nucleus, and is (CH₂)_(m) --Q--(CH₂)_(n), where m is 0 to 2 and n is 1 or 2; and Q is a covalent bond; O; S; SO; SO₂ ; NH; or N(C₁ -C₄ alkyl);

Q⁺ is quinolinium ##STR25## or isoquinolinium ##STR26## Y is selected from: i) COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof;

ii) COOM wherein M is an alkali metal or other pharmaceutically acceptable salt;

iii) COOM wherein M is a negative charge in the case where a permanent positive charge exists elsewhere in the molecule.

The R^(c) substituent represents a single substituent which may occupy any available site of the quinolinium or isoquinolinium moiety.

The overall molecule must be electronically balanced. Since a quaternary nitrogen is always present in the compounds of the present invention, a balancing anion must also be present. This is usually accomplished by having Y be COO⁻. However, where Y is, e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, a counterion (anion) Z⁻ must be provided, or alternatively, an anionic substituent might be utilized. Further, it is within the scope of this invention to utilize an anionic substituent where the quaternary nitrogen is already balanced by Y═COO⁻. In that case, it will be understood that it is necessary to provide a counterion (cation) for the anionic substituent. However, it is well within the skill of a medicinal chemist, to whom there is available many suitable anionic and cationic counterions, to make such choices.

With reference to the above definitions, "alkyl" means a straight or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon radical.

The term "heteroatom" means N, S, or O, selected on an independent basis.

Under the definition of "Y", the term "pharmaceutically acceptable ester or salt" refers to those salt and ester forms of the compounds of the present invention which would be apparent to the pharmaceutical chemist, i.e., those which are non-toxic and which would favorably affect the pharmacokinetic properties of said compounds, their palatability, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Other factors, more practical in nature, which are also important in the selection, are cost of raw materials, ease of crystallization, yield, stability, hygroscopicity, and flowability of the resulting bulk drug. Since the compounds of the present invention may be carboxylates, the salts would be cations such as benzathine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, meglumine and procaine. The metallic cations such as aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium and zinc are potential choices. The alkali metal cations sodium and potassium are specifically defined. It will also be noted that the compounds of the present invention are potentially internal salts or zwitterions, since under physiological conditions the carboxyl group may be anionic, and this electronic charge will be balanced off internally against the cationic charge of the heteroarylium group. Where this is not the case, it is recognized that a counterion must be present. This counterion is selected from the group of suitable pharmaceutical anions, e.g., chloride, phosphate and tartrate.

It is preferred that when one of R¹ or R² is H, the other is (R)--CH₃ CH(OH)-- or (R)--CH₃ CH(F)--, and (R)--CH₃ CH(OH)-- is most preferred. Further, it is preferred that the configuration at C-6 is (S), and that C-5 is (R).

Representative A groups are --CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ --, and --CH₂ SCH₂ --. Preferred is --CH₂ --.

Representative R^(c) groups are --CH₃, --CH₂ CH₃, --(CH₂)₃ CH₃, --OCH₃, --COOH, --NHCH₂ COOH, --OH, --CH₂ OH, --CH₂ COOH, --CH₂ CH₂ COOH, --CH₂ CONH₂, --CH₂ CH₂ S⁺ (CH₃)₂, --CH₂ CH₂ SO₃ H, --CONH₂, --SO₂ NH₂, --SO₃ H, --NH₂, --N(CH₃)₂, --CON(CH₃)₂, --NHCH₃, --CH₂ NH₂, --CN, --CH₂ CN, --CH₂ SCH₃, --CH₂ SO₃ --, --CH₂ SOCH₃, --CH₂ SO₂ CH₃, --SO₂ CH₃, --SOCH₃, --CH₂ OCH₃, ##STR27## --CF₃, ##STR28## --CH₂ SO₂ NH₂, --SCH₂ CH₂ CN, Br, Cl, F, --SCF₃, --CH₂ SCF₃, and --SCH₂ CF₃.

Preferred R^(c) groups are --NH₂, --OH, --CH₃, --CO₂ ⁻, --CH₂ SCH₃ and --CH₂ SOCH₃.

While R=H is usually preferred, there are instances in which R=CH₃ may provide improved chemical stability, water solubility, or pharmacokinetic behavior. The substituent R=CH₃ may be of either configuration, i.e., the α or β-stereoisomer.

For most of the compounds exemplified herein, the R substituent is hydrogen. This is the result not only of a more facile synthesis for such compounds, but also of a preference for R=hydrogen based on the superior antibacterial activity of such compounds.

The carbapenem compounds of the present invention are useful per se and in their pharmaceutically acceptable salt and ester forms in the treatment of bacterial infections in animal and human subjects. Conveniently, pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared from the active ingredients in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Thus, the present invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating bacterial infections utilizing as an active ingredient the novel carbapenem compounds of the present invention.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts referred to above include non-toxic acid addition salts. In those cases where the Formula I compounds possess a basic functional group, they can be used in the form of salts derived from inorganic or organic acids. Included among such salts are the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate, and undecanoate. Also, the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quaternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl; and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained.

The pharmaceutically acceptable esters of the novel carbapenem compounds of the present invention are such as would be readily apparent to a medicinal chemist, and include, for example, those described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,438, Column 9, line 61 to Column 12, line 51, which is incorporated herein by reference. Included within such pharmaceutically acceptable esters are those which are hydrolyzed under physiological conditions, such as pivaloyloxymethyl, acetoxymethyl, phthalidyl, indanyl and methoxymethyl, and those described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,947, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The compounds of the present invention are valuable antibacterial agents active against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and accordingly find utility in human and veterinary medicine. Representative pathogens which are sensitive to the antibacterial agents of the present invention include various species or strains of the following: Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Bacillus, Salmonella, Psuedomonas, Serratia, Proteus, and Bacterium. The antibacterials of the invention are not limited to utility as medicaments; they may be used in all manner of industry, for example: additives to animal feed, preservation of food, disinfectants, and in other industrial systems where control of bacterial growth is desired. For example, they may be employed in aqueous compositions in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 parts of antibiotic per million parts of solution in order to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria on medical and dental equipment and as bactericides in industrial applications, for example in waterbased paints and in the white water of paper mills to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

The compounds of this invention may be used in any of a variety of pharmaceutical preparations. They may be employed in capsule, powder form, in liquid solution, or in suspension. They may be administered by a variety of means; those of principal interest include: topically or parenterally by injection (intravenously or intramuscularly).

Compositions for injection, a preferred route of delivery, may be prepared in unit dosage form in ampules, or in multidose containers. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form for reconstitution, at the time of delivery, with a suitable vehicle, such as sterile water. Topical applications may be formulated in hydrophobic or hydrophilic bases as ointments, creams, lotions, paints, or powders.

The dosage to be administered depends to a large extent upon the condition and size of the subject being treated as well as the route and frequency of administration, the parenteral route by injection being preferred for generalized infections. Such matters, however, are left to the routine discretion of the therapist according to principles of treatment well known in the antibacterial art. In general, a daily dosage consists of from about 5 to about 600 mg of active ingredient per kg of body weight of the subject in one or more treatments per day. A preferred daily dosage for adult humans lies in the range of from about 10 to 240 mg of active ingredient per kg of body weight. Another factor influencing the precise dosage regimen, apart from the nature of the infection and peculiar identity of the individual being treated, is the molecular weight of the chosen species of this invention.

The compositions for human delivery per unit dosage, whether liquid or solid, may contain from 0.1% to 99% of active material, the preferred range being from about 10-60%. The composition will generally contain from about 15 mg to about 1500 mg of the active ingredient; however, in general, it is preferable to employ a dosage amount in the range of from about 250 mg to 1000 mg. In parenteral administration, the unit dosage is usually the pure compound I in sterile water solution or in the form of a soluble powder intended for solution.

The preferred method of administration of the Formula I antibacterial compounds is parenteral by i.v. infusion, i.v. bolus, or i.m. injection.

For adults, 5-50 mg of Formula I antibacterial compounds per kg of body weight given 2, 3, or 4 times per day is preferred. Preferred dosage is 250 mg to 1000 mg of the Formula I antibacterial given two (b.i.d.) three (t.i.d.) or four (q.i.d.) times per day. More specifically, for mild infections, and particularly urinary tract infections, a dose of 250 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. is recommended. For moderate infections against highly susceptible gram positive and gram negative organisms, a dose of 500 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. is recommended. For severe, life-threatening infections against organisms at the upper limits of sensitivity to the antibiotic, a dose of 1000 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d. is recommended.

For children, a dose of 5-25 mg/kg of body weight given 2, 3, or 4 times per day is preferred; a dose of 10 mg/kg t.i.d. or q.i.d. is usually recommended.

Antibacterial compounds of Formula I are of the broad class known as carbapenems or 1-carbadethiapenems. Naturally occurring carbapenems are susceptible to attack by a renal enzyme known as dehydropeptidase (DHP). This attack or degradation may reduce the efficacy of the carbapenem antibacterial agent. The compounds of the present invention, on the other hand, are significantly less subject to such attack, and therefore may not require use of a DHP inhibitor. However, such use is optional and contemplated to be a part of the present invention. Inhibitors of DHP and their use with carbapenem antibacterial agents are disclosed in the prior art [see European Patent Applications No. 79102616.4 filed Jul. 24, 1979 (Patent No. 0 010 573); 79102615.6, filed Jul. 24, 1979 (Patent No. 0 007 614); and No. 82107174.3, filed Aug. 9, 1982 (Publication No. 0 072 014)].

The compounds of the present invention may, where DHP inhibition is desired or necessary, be combined or used with the appropriate DHP inhibitor as described in the aforesaid patents and published application. Thus, to the extent that the cited European patent applications 1.) define the procedure for determining DHP susceptibility of the present carbapenems and 2.) disclose suitable inhibitors, combination compositions and methods of treatment, they are incorporated herein by reference. A preferred weight ratio of Formula I compound: DHP inhibitor in the combination compositions is about 1:1. A preferred DHP inhibitor is 7-(L-2-amino-2-carboxyethylthio)-2-(2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide)-2-heptenoic acid or a useful salt thereof.

These combination compositions and their use are further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The 2-(quinoliniumalkyl)phenyl carbapenem compounds of the present invention may be prepared in accordance with well known procedures in the art. Particularly useful are the following synthetic schemes in which the symbols R, R¹, R², R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), A and Q are as defined above. ##STR29##

The steps for preparing the 2-phenyl carbapenem intermediate are well known in the art and are explained in ample detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,260,627 and 4,543,257, which are incorporated herein by reference. Addition of the quinolinium moiety is as represented in the schematic diagram above.

The bridging element "A" is already in place when the phenyl group becomes a part of the carbapenem compound at the time of cyclization. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bridging element "A" is simply alkyl. However, it is also an embodiment of the present invention to include a heteroatom in the alkyl chain, as defined further above. Preparation of such a heteroatom-containing alkyl bridge is in accordance with the following synthetic scheme: ##STR30##

The bridging element terminates in a hydroxyl group which is then changed to an active leaving group, e.g., iodide. Treatment with the desired quinoline reactant directly provides the quinoliniumalkylphenyl sidechain. More particularly, three alternative procedures may be utilized for addition of the quinolinium group.

Activation of the Phenyl-A--OH Group

This step may be carried out in accordance with well-known procedures, some of which are exemplified in the following equations. ##STR31## In words relative to the equations, the hydroxyl group may be converted to a methanesulfonate group by treating with methanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. A suitable solvent, e.g., dichloromethane, is employed and the reaction is carried out at reduced temperatures. In turn, the methanesulfonate intermediate may be converted to the more reactive iodide derivative by treatment with sodium iodide in a suitable solvent, e.g., acetone, at reduced or ambient temperatures. Alternatively, the hydroxyl group may be directly converted into the iodide group by common methods known in the art. For example, treatment of the hydroxyl group with methyl triphenoxyphosphonium iodide in a suitable solvent, such as dimethylformamide, at reduced or ambient temperatures, directly provides the desired iodide. Further, the hydroxyl group may be converted into the very reactive trifluoromethanesulfonate group. However, such an activating group cannot be isolated by conventional techniques but may be formed and used in situ. Thus, treatment of the hydroxyl group with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride in the presence of, usually, the reacting quinoline base in a suitable solvent, such as dichloromethane, at reduced temperatures provides for the in situ generation of this activating group. Alternatively, the trifluoromethanesulfonate group may be generated in situ from the iodide group by treatment with excess silver trifluoromethanesulfonate in a suitable solvent, e.g., acetonitrile, at reduced temperatures.

Once the desired activation has been carried out, introduction of the quinolinium group can then proceed. One of the following three procedures has been found suitable for such introduction.

Method A:

The activated group is iodide and the addition of the quinolinium group is accomplished simply by treating with the corresponding quinoline in a suitable solvent, e.g., acetonitrile, at about room temperature.

Method B:

The activating group is trifluoromethanesulfonte and is formed in situ by treatment of the alcohol with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride in the presence of at least two equivalents of quinoline to provide the corresponding quinolinium in a suitable solvent, e.g., dichloromethane, at reduced temperatures.

Method C:

The activated group is trifluoromethanesulfonate which is formed in situ by treatment of the iodide derivative with excess silver trifluoromethanesulfonate in a suitable solvent, e.g., acetonitrile, at reduced temperatures. As with Method A, the quinoline to provide the corresponding quinolinium is simply added and displacement of the activating group then takes place directly.

Where the quinolinium or isoquinolinium group has a substituent R^(c), the most facile method of providing such a substituent is to employ as the reactant in the preparation methods described above a quinoline compound which already has the desired substituent. Such substituted quinoline compounds are readily available starting materials or may be prepared in a straight-forward manner using known literature methods.

In the preparation methods described above, the carboxyl group at the 3-position remains blocked by a carboxyl covering group until the final product is prepared. Then, if the anionic carboxylate is desired so as to form the zwitterionic internal salt, deblocking may be carried out in a conventional manner, with care being taken to avoid a procedure which is so harsh as to disrupt other portions of the final product molecule.

The general synthesis description above and the particular exemplifications which follow show the 6-(1-hydroxyethyl) moiety, which is preferred in most cases. However, it has been found that with certain 2-sidechain selections, the ultimate balance of favorable clinical properties in the overall molecule may be enhanced by selection of the 6-(1-fluoroethyl) moiety instead. Preparation of this and other 6-fluoroalkyl compounds within the scope of the present invention may be carried out in a straightforward manner using techniques well known in the art of preparing carbapenem antibacterial compounds. See, e.g., J. G. deVries et al., Heterocycles, 23 (8), 1915 (1985); J6-0163-882-A (Sanraku Ocean).

For all of the compounds exemplified herein, the R substituent is hydrogen, which is preferred. However, when R=methyl, the analogous 6-(1-hydroxyethyl) and 6-(1-fluoroethyl)carbapenems of the present invention are prepared in the manner described herein utilizing the appropriately chosen synthons which are known in the art. See, for example, L. M. Fuentes, I. Shinkai, and T. N. Salzmann, JACS, 108, 4675 (1986); and BE-900-718-A (Sandoz) respectively. ##STR32##

To a stirred solution of 42.7 mg (0.1 mmole) of 1 in 1 ml of sieve dried CH₂ Cl₂ at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added sequentially 15.2 mg (0.15 mmole) of neat Et₃ N and then 14.9 mg (0.13 mmole) of neat mesyl chloride. The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, and then partitioned between EtOAc, ice-H₂ O, and some 2N HCl. The organic phase was separated, washed with saturated NaCl solution, dried over Na₂ SO₄, filtered, evaporated, and dried in vacuo to give a quantitative yield of 2;

IR (CH₂ Cl₂): 1780, 1745, 1725 cm⁻¹ ; 200 MHz ¹ H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.49 (d, J=6.4 Hz, CH₃ CH), 2.96 (s, CH₃ SO₃), 3.18 (dd, J=9.9, 18.1 Hz, H-1), 3.34 (dd, J=8.9, 18.1 Hz, H-1), 3.43 (dd, J=2.8, 8.1 Hz, H-6), 4.30 (dt, J=2.3, 2.8, 9.9 Hz, H-5), 4.66 (m, CH₃ CHOH and CH₂ CH═CH₂), 5.26 (m, OCH₂ CH═CH₂), 5.29 (s, ArCH₂ OSO₂), 7.40 (s, Ar--H).

UV:λ_(max) ^(p-diox) =314 nm.

EXAMPLE 2 ##STR33##

To a stirred solution of 38.8 mg (0.077 mmole) of 2 in 1 ml of acetone at 0° C. was added all at once 23 mg (0.15 mmole) of NaI. The ice-H₂ O bath was removed and the mixture stirred further under a nitrogen atmosphere for 0.5 hour. After this time, the resulting mixture was partitioned between EtOAc, ice-H₂ O, 5% Na₂ S₂ O₄ (aq.) solution and saturated NaCl solution. The organic phase was separated, dried over Na₂ SO₄, filtered, evaporated and dried in vacuo to give 3; IR (CH₂ Cl₂): 1780, 1745, 1725 cm⁻¹ ; 200 MHz ¹ H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.49 (d, J=7.4 Hz, CH₃), 3.17 (dd, J=9.8, 18.1 Hz, H-1), 3.29 (dd, J=8.7, 18.1 Hz, H-1), 3.41 (dd, J=2.9, 8.7 Hz, H-6), 4.27 (dt, J=2.9, 8.7, 9.8 Hz, H-5), 4.65 (m, CH₃ CHOH and OCH₂ CH═CH₂), 5.26 (m, OCH₂ CH═CH₂), 5.89 (m, OCH₂ CH═CH₂), 7.32 (m, Ar--H).

UV: λ_(max) ^(p-diox) =322 nm.

EXAMPLE 3 ##STR34##

Enantiomerically pure compound (3), i.e., 2-(iodomethyl-4'-phenyl)carbapenem (84.1 mg, 1.56×10⁻⁴ moles) was dissolved in 3 ml of sieve dried acetonitrile (CH₃ CN) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. Synthetic grade compound (4), i.e., quinoline (37.0 μl, 3.13×10⁻⁴ moles) distilled from calcium hydride (CaH₂) was added neat to the solution of (3), followed by a solution of silver triflate (AgOSO₂ CF₃ ; 60.4 mg, 2.35×10⁻⁴ moles) in 200 μl of acetonitrile. The reaction mixture was monitored by TLC [5% ethyl acetate (EtOAc) in methylene chloride (CH₂ Cl₂)] which showed the iodocarbapenem gradually disappearing but not a complete reaction after 1 hour at 0° C. After this time another 20 mg (7.8×10⁻⁵ moles) of silver triflate in 100 μl of acetonitrile was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred an additional 0.5 hour at 0° C. The reaction mixture (a slurry) was then diluted with methylene chloride and filtered. The filtrate was partitioned between methylene chloride and water/ice; and the separated organic layer was washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl), dried over sodium sulfate (Na₂ SO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 118.0 mg of a yellow film.

The crude reaction product was dissolved in a minimal volume of methylene chloride and the solution was triturated with ethyl ether (Et₂ O). The reddish solid which precipitated was collected and the supernatant was decanted. The solute was then redissolved in methylene chloride and the procedure repeated. After drying in vacuo, 65.1 mg of an orange-red solid, compound (5), was obtained. NMR analysis confirmed the structure of (5).

IR(CH₂ Cl₂): 1785, 1745 and 1720 cm⁻¹ ; 200 MHz ¹ H-NMR(CDCl₃) δ: 1.48(d, J=7 Hz, 3H-Me), 3.16(dd, J=9.8, 18 Hz, 1-H-1), 3.30(dd, J=8.8, 18 Hz, 1-H-1), 3.43(dd, J=2.5, 8.5 Hz, 1-H-6), 4.28(m, 1-H-5), 4.64(m, OCH₂), 4H), 5.24(m, C═CH₂, H-8, 5H), 5.88(m, CH═CH₂, 2H), 6.34(S, CH₂ N⁺, 2H), 7.36(m, Ar--H, 4H), 7.94(t, J=8 Hz, Ar--H, 1H), 8.14(m, Ar--H, 1-H), 8.28(dd, J=1.5, 8 Hz, Ar--H, 1H), 8.4(d, J=9.0 Hz, Ar--H, 1H), 9.02(d, J=8.5 Hz, Ar--H, 1H), and 9.78(d, J=6 Hz, Ar--H, 1-H);

UV: λ_(max) ^(diox) =316 nm.

EXAMPLE 4 ##STR35## 5(R),6(S)-2-(N-quinoliniummethylphenyl)-6-(1(R)-hydroxyethyl)carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylate

Enantiomerically pure compound (5), i.e., 2-(quinoliniummethyl-4'-phenyl)carbapenem (65.1 mg, 9.46×10⁻⁵ moles) was dissolved in 2 ml of sieve dried methylene chloride (CH₂ Cl₂)/0.5 ml ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. A solid mixture of triphenylphosphine, (C₆ H₅)₃ P (14.9 mg, 5.67×10⁻⁵ moles) and Pd[(C₆ H₅)₃ P]₄ (21.8 mg, 1.89×10⁻⁵ moles) was added to the solution, followed by neat 2-ethylhexanoic acid (16.6 μl, 1.04×10⁻⁴ moles) and a 0.5M ethyl acetate (EtOAc) solution of potassium 2-ethylhexanoate (208.1 μl, 1.04×10⁻⁴ moles). The reaction mixture was stirred 4 hours at 0° C. and a precipitate was observed after 0.5 hour. At the end of the reaction time the reaction mixture (a slurry) was diluted with ethyl acetate and the solid collected by centrifuging. The supernatant was decanted and the solid washed three times with ethyl ether (Et₂ O). After drying in vacuo, a tan solid was recovered. 200 MHz NMR showed that complete deblocking had taken place.

The crude reaction product was dissolved in a minimal volume of water and applied to 2×1000 microns 20×20 cm reverse phase silica gel F plates. The plates were eluted in the cold tank with 30% THF in water. The product band was extracted ten times with 4:1 CH₃ CN:H₂ O and the combined aqueous solution was washed three times with ethyl ether. The separated aqueous solution was then treated with 12.5 mg of activated carbon and the slurry filtered through a preformed Celite plug. The filtrate was then filtered through a Gelmann CR filter and concentrated in vacuo. After lyophilization, 13.0 mg of a light orange fluffy solid was obtained, whose structure was confirmed to be that of the desired product by 200 MHz NMR.

IR(nujol): 1760, 1590 cm⁻¹ ; 200 MHz 'H-NMR (D₂ O) δ: 1.34 (d, J=6.3 Hz, CH₃ CH), 3.01 (dd, J=9.8, 16.8 Hz, CHCH₂ C), 3.41 (dd, J=8.57, 17.2 Hz, CHCH₂ C), 3.52 (dd, J=2.9, 6.0 OHz, OCHCH), 4.28 (m, CHOH and CH₂ CH═CH₂), 6.29 (s, PhCH₂), 7.29 (d, J=8.6 Hz, PhH), 7.39 (d, J=8.1, PhH), 8.0 (t, J=8.2 Hz, quinoline H-3), 8.14 (m, quinoline-H), 8.38 (m, quinoline-H), 9.22 (d, J=8.64 Hz, quinoline-H-4), 9.39 (d, J=6.1 Hz, quinoline-H-2);

UV: λ_(max) ^(H).sbsp.2^(O) =310 nm.

EXAMPLE 5 ##STR36##

Enantiomerically pure compound (3), i.e., 2-(iodomethyl-4-phenyl)carbapenem (48.3 mg, 8.99×10⁻⁵ moles) was dissolved in 2 ml of sieve dried acetonitrile (CH₃ CN), and the solution was cooled to 0° C. Compound (7), i.e., isoquinoline (14.8 μl, 1.2×10⁻⁴ moles) was added in a solution of 500 μl of acetonitrile. The reaction mixture was stirred for 13 hrs at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. At the end of this time the reaction mixture was partitioned between methylene chloride (CH₂ Cl₂) and ice/2.0N aqueous HCl. The separated organic layer was washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl), dried over sodium sulfate (Na₂ SO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 63.4 mg of a yellow film (8).

IR(CH₂ Cl₂): 1784, 1745, 1720 cm⁻¹ ; 200 MHz 'H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.45 (d, J=6.3 Hz, CH₃ CH), 3.11 (dd, 9.8, 18.1 Hz, CHCH₂ C), 3.3 (dd, J=8.9, 18.5 Hz, CHCH₂ C), 3.44 (dd, J=2.5, 5.5 Hz, OCHCH), 4.26 (td, J=2.4, 9.3 Hz, CHCHCH₂), 4.62 (m, CH₃ CHOH and CH₂ CH═CH₂), 5.23 (m, CH₂ CH═CH₂), 5.88 (m, CH₂ CH═CH₂), 6.29 (s, PhCH₂), 7.35 (d, J=8.3 Hz, PhH) 7.70 (d, J=8.3 Hz, PhH), 7.93 (m, i-quinoline-H), 8.08 (m, i-quinoline-H), 8.20 (d, J=6.5 Hz, i-quinoline-H-4), 8.64 (d, J=8.3 Hz, i-quinoline-H), 8.73 (d, J=6.5 Hz, isoquinoline H- 3), 11.0 (s, isoquinoline, H-1).

UV: λ_(max) ^(diox) =312 nm.

EXAMPLE 6 ##STR37## 5(R), 6(S)-2-(N-isoquinolinium methyl phenyl)-6-(1(R)-hydroxyethyl)-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylate

The crude enantiomerically pure compound (8) prepared in Example 5, i.e., 2-(isoquinolinium methyl-4-phenyl)-carbapenem (8.99×10⁻⁵ moles) was dissolved in 2 ml of sieve dried methylene chloride (CH₂ Cl₂)/0.5 ml ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and the solution was cooled to 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. A solid mixture of triphenylphosphine [(C₆ H₅)₃ P] (15.0 mg, 5.7×10⁻⁵ moles) and Pd[(C₆ H₅)₃ P]₄ (22.0 mg, 1.9×10⁻⁵ moles) was added, followed by addition of neat 2-ethyl hexanoic acid (16.7 μl, 1.05×10⁻⁴ moles), and a 0.5M ethyl acetate (EtOAc) solution of potassium 2-ethyl hexanoate (209.4 μl, 1.05×10⁻⁴ moles). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours. A dark orange red precipitate developed after 10 minutes, and at the end of the total time the reaction mixture (slurry) was diluted with ethyl acetate and cooled to 0° C. The solid was collected by centrifuge and the supernatant was decanted. The solid was then washed three times with ethyl ether (Et₂ O) and dried in vacuo to yield 52.4 mg of a reddish tan solid, whose structure was confirmed to be that of the desired product [compound (9)] by 200 MHz NMR.

The crude reaction product was dissolved (partially) in water and applied to a 1000 micron 20×20 cm reverse phase silica gel F plate. The plate was eluted with 30% THF in water in the cold tank. The product band was then extracted ten times with 4:1 CH₃ CN:H₂ O. The combined aqueous extracts were washed three times with hexanes, then filtered through a Gellmann CR millipore disc. After concentrating in vacuo and lyophilizing, 27.6 mg of a slightly orange fluffy solid [compound (9)] was obtained, which 200 MHz NMR showed to have the desired structure.

The isolation procedure described above was repeated using a 500 micron plate, and yielded 17.5 mg of a yellow fluffy solid.

200 MHz 'H-NMR (D₂ O) δ: 1.31 (d, J=6.3 Hz, CH₃ CH), 3.07 (dd, J=9.5, 17.1 Hz, CHCH₂ C), 3.43 (dd, J=8.7, 16.9 Hz, CHCH₂ C), 3.51 (dd, J=2.86, 6.35 Hz, OCHCH), 4.26 (m, CHOH and CHCHCH₂), 5.91 (s, PhCH₂), 7.45 (s, ArH), 8.02 (m, i-quinoline-H), 8.22 (m, i-quinoline-H), 8.37 (d, J=6.27 Hz, quinoline-H), 8.52 (d, J=6.9 Hz, i-quinoline-H) 9.75 (s, i-quinoline H-1).

UV: λ_(max) ^(H).sbsp.2^(O) =307 nm.

EXAMPLES 7-13

Using the procedures noted below, additional compounds within the scope the present invention were prepared, as set forth in the table below.

                  TABLE I                                                          ______________________________________                                          ##STR38##                                                                                                       METHOD OF                                    Exp. No.                                                                              Q.sup.+                                                                               R.sup.c  λ.sub.max.sup.H.sbsp.2.sup.O (nm)                                                  ALKYLATION                                   ______________________________________                                          7     Q*     3-NH.sub.2                                                                              241, 303, 385                                                                             A                                             8     IQ**   5-NH.sub.2                                                                              265, 307   A                                             9     Q      6-OH     250, 311   A                                            10     IQ     1-NH.sub.2                                                                              273, 283, 310                                                                             A                                            11     Q      3-CO.sub.2.sup.-                                                                        311        C                                            12     Q      3-CH.sub.3                                                                              310        C                                            13     Q      4-NH.sub.2                                                                              330, 343   A                                            ______________________________________                                          ##STR39##                                                                      ##STR40##                                                                

EXAMPLES 14-37

Following the procedures described above, further compounds of the present invention may be prepared in a straightforward manner. Examples of such compounds are set out in the table below.

                                      TABLE II                                     __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR41##                                                                     Exp. No.                                                                            R'  R   R.sup.a                                                                               R.sup.c A      Q.sup.+                                     __________________________________________________________________________     14   OH  H   H      2-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q*                                          15   OH  H   3-OH   2-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           16   OH  H   3-F    4-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           17   OH  H   H      3-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            IQ*                                         18   OH  H   3-F    3-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            IQ                                          19   OH  H   H      3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                   4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           20   OH  H   H      4-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                   4-CH.sub.2                                                                            IQ                                          21   OH  H   3-OH   3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                   5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           22   F   H   H      4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           23   F   H   H      3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                   4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           24   OH  CH.sub.3                                                                           H      4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           25   OH  H   H      4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.2                                                                  Q                                           26   OH  H   H      4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                                   Q                                           27   OH  H   3-OH   4-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           28   OH  H   3-CH.sub.3                                                                            4-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           29   OH  H   H      3-CH.sub.2 S(O)CH.sub.3                                                                4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           30   OH  H   3-F    4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           31   OH  H   3-SMe  4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           32   OH  H   H      4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                                   Q                                           33   OH  H   H      4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2                                                                   IQ                                          34   OH  H   3-S(O)CH.sub.3                                                                        4-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           35   OH  H   3-CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 K                                                                 4-NH.sub.2                                                                             4-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           36   OH  H   3-CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 K                                                                 4-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           37   OH  H   3-CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3                                                                   4-NH.sub.2                                                                             5-CH.sub.2                                                                            Q                                           __________________________________________________________________________      *Q and IQ: see Table I                                                    

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula: ##STR42## wherein: R is H or CH₃ ;R¹ and R² are independently H, CH₃ --, CH₃ CH₂ --, (CH₃)₂ CH--, HOCH₂ --, CH₃ CH(OH)--, (CH₃)₂ C(OH)--, FCH₂ CH(OH)--, F₂ CHCH(OH)--, F₃ CCH(OH)--, CH₃ CH(F)--, CH₃ CF₂ --, or (CH₃)₂ C(F)--; R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c), are independently selected from the group consisting of:a) a trifluoromethyl group: --CF₃ ; b) a halogen atom: --Br, --Cl, --F, or --I; c) C₁ -C₄ alkoxy radical: --OC₁₋₄ alkyl; d) a hydroxy group: --OH; e) (C₁ -C₆ alkyl) carbonyloxy radical: ##STR43## f) a carbamoyloxy radical which is unsubstituted or substituted on nitrogen with one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR44## where R^(y) and R^(z) are independently H or C₁₋₄ alkyl; g) a C₁ -C₆ alkylthio radical, C₁ -C₆ alkylsulfinyl radical or C₁ -C₆ alkylsulfonyl radical: ##STR45## where n=0-2, and the alkyl portion is optionally substituted by cyano; h) a sulfamoyl group which is unsubstituted or substituted on nitrogen by one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR46## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; i) an amino group, or a mono (C₁ -C₄ alkyl) amino or di(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)amino group: ##STR47## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; j) a formylamino group: ##STR48## k) (C₁ -C₆ alkyl)carbonylamino radical: ##STR49## l) a (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy) carbonylamino radical: ##STR50## m) a ureido group in which the terminal nitrogen is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR51## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; n) a sulfonamido group: ##STR52## o) a cyano group: --CN; p) a formyl or acetalized formyl radical: ##STR53## q) (C₁ -C₆ alkyl)carbonyl radical wherein the carbonyl is free or acetalized: ##STR54## r) phenylcarbonyl: s) a hydroximinomethyl radical in which the oxygen or carbon atom is optionally substituted by a C₁ -C₄ alkyl group: ##STR55## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; t) a (C₁ -C₆ alkoxy)carbonyl radical: ##STR56## u) a carbamoyl radical which is unsubstituted or substituted on nitrogen by one or two C₁ -C₄ alkyl groups: ##STR57## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; v) an N-hydroxycarbamoyl or N(C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)carbamoyl radical in which the nitrogen atom may be additionally substituted by a C₁ -C₄ alkyl group: ##STR58## where R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; w) a thiocarbamoyl group: ##STR59## x) an amidino group ##STR60## where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are independently hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or wherein two of the alkyl groups together form a C₂ -C₆ alkylidene radical optionally interrupted by a heteroatom and joined together to form a ring; y) a carboxamidino group ##STR61## where R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are as defined above; z) a guanidinyl group where R⁶ in a) above is NR⁸ R⁹ and R⁸ and R⁹ are as defined for R⁵ through R⁷ above; aa) hydrogen; ab) C₂ -C₆ alkenyl radical; ac) an unsubstituted or substituted C₂ -C₆ alkynyl radical; ad) C₃ -C₇ cycloalkyl radical; ae) C₃ -C₇ cycloalkyl methyl radical; af) C₅ -C₇ cycloalkenyl radical; ag) phenyl, except that only R^(c) may be phenyl; ah) C₁ -C₆ alkyl radical; ai) C₁ -C₄ alkyl monosubstituted by one of the substituents a)-ag) above; aj) an anionic function selected from the group consisting of: phosphono [P═O(OM^(c))₂ ]; alkylphosphono {P═O(OM^(c))--[O(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)]}; alkylphosphinyl [P═O(OM^(c))--(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)]; phosphoramido [P═O(OMc)N(R^(y))R^(z) and P═O(OM^(c))NHR^(x) ]; sulfino (SO₂ M^(c)); sulfo (SO₃ M^(c)); acylsulfonamides selected from the structures CONM^(c) SO₂ R^(x), CONM^(c) SO₂ N(R^(y))R^(z), SO₂ NM^(c) CON(R^(y))R^(z) ; and SO₂ NM^(c) CN, where R^(x) is phenyl or heteroaryl, where heteroaryl is as defined below except that there is no quaternary nitrogen and attachment through nitrogen is optional, and the phenyl and heteroaryl are optionally mono-substituted by R^(q) ; M^(c) is hydrogen or an alkali metal; R^(y) and R^(z) are as defined above; where R^(q) is a member selected from the group consisting of --OH; --OCH₃ --; --CN; --C(O)NH₂ ; --OC(O)NH₂ ; --OC(O)N(CH₃)₂ ; --SO₂ NH₂ ; --SO₂ N(CH₃)₂ ; --SOCH₃ ; --F; --CF₃ ; tetrazolyl; and --COOM^(a), where M^(a) is hydrogen, alkali metal, methyl or phenyl; A is para (p) or meta (m) with respect to the point of attachment of the phenyl ring to the carbapenem nucleus, and is (CH₂)_(m) --Q--(CH₂)_(n), where m is 0 to 2 and n is 1 or 2; and Q is a covalent bond; O; S; SO; SO₂ ; NH; or N(C₁ -C₄ alkyl); Q⁺ is quinolinium ##STR62## or isoquinolinium ##STR63## Y is selected from: i) COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof;ii) COOM wherein M is an alkali metal or other pharmaceutically acceptable salt; iii) COOM wherein M is a negative charge in the case where a permanent positive charge exists elsewhere in the molecule.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ /R² is H-- and R² /R¹ is (R)--CH₃ CH(OH)--.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ /R² is H-- and R² /R¹ is (R)--CH₃ CH(OH)--; and A is --CH₂ --.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ /R² is H-- and R² /R¹ is (R)--CH₃ CH(OH)--; A is --CH₂ --; and Q⁺ is quinolinium.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ /R² is H-- and R² /R¹ is (R)--CH₃ CH(OH)--; A is --CH₂ --; Q⁺ is quinolinium; and R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of --NH₂, --OH, --CH₃, --CO₂ ⁻, --CH₂ SCH₃, and --CH₂ SOCH₃.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of ##STR64## where Q=quinolinium and IQ=isoquinolinium; and the other substituents are defined below:

    ______________________________________                                         R'   R      R.sup.a     R.sup.c  A        Q.sup.+                              ______________________________________                                         OH   H      H           2-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-OH        2-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-F         4-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           3-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      3-F         3-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      H           3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                    4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           4-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                    4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      3-OH        3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                    5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    F    H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    F    H      H           3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                    4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   CH.sub.3                                                                              H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.2                                                                    Q                                    OH   H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --                                                                  Q                                    OH   H      3-OH        4-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-CH.sub.3  4-NH.sub.2                                                                              --CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           3-CH.sub.2 SCH.sub.3                                                                    4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-F         4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-SMe       4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --                                                                   Q                                    OH   H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --                                                                  IQ                                   OH   H      3-S(O)CH.sub.3                                                                             4-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 K                                                                      4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 K                                                                      4-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      3-CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 --                                                                     4-NH.sub.2                                                                              5-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           3-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           5-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      H           6-OH     4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           1-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      H           3-CO.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           3-CH.sub.3                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           3-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           5-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      H           6-OH     4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           1-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           IQ                                   OH   H      H           3-CO.sub.2.sup.-                                                                        4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           3-CH.sub.3                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    OH   H      H           4-NH.sub.2                                                                              4-CH.sub.2 --                                                                           Q                                    ______________________________________                                    


7. A pharmaceutical composition for antibacterial use comprising an antibacterially effective amount of a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.
 8. A method of treating bacterial infections in human or animal subjects in need of such treatment comprising administering to such subject an antibacterially effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 9. The combination of a compound of claim 1 and a DHP inhibitor.
 10. The combination of a compound of claim 6 and the DHP inhibitor 7-(L-2-amino-2-carboxyethylthio)-2-(2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide)-2-heptenoic acid.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition for antibacterial use comprising an antibacterially effective amount of a compound of claim 1, an inhibitorily effective amount of a DHP inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore.
 12. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 11 wherein the DHP inhibitor is 7-(L-2-amino-2-carboxyethylthio)-2-(2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide)-2-heptenoic acid.
 13. A method of treating bacterial infections in human or animal subjects in need of such treatment comprising coadministering to such subject an antibacterially effective amount of a compound of claim 1 and an inhibitorily effective amount of a DHP inhibitor.
 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the DHP inhibitor is 7-(L-2-amino-2-carboxyethylthio)-2-(2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide)-2-heptenoic acid. 